Campaigners launch £1m Chalk Farm library plea

Campaigners have launched a £1 million appeal in their fight to keep open Chalk Farm library.

They say the sum will protect the library long-term. Camden council is axing the £138,000 a year it gives in March, after a services review.

Dozens of London libraries are at risk of closure because of government cuts. Some are set to be run by volunteers.

The Friends of Chalk Farm Library and Primrose Hill Community Association have linked up to raise the cash. Sharon Ridsale, the friends' treasurer, said: "A community enterprise is the only way we are going to retain that community space."

Playwright Alan Bennett, a local resident and a fierce critic of the closures, said: "There is a lot of good feeling but it's not directed. But I would say it was a good first meeting." The council has backed the plan and offered transitional funding to help the takeover.

Community association treasurer Colin St Johnston said: "We want to get enough cash to mostly live off the interest and also raise a certain amount of money each year."

Friends of Camden's Heath and Belsize libraries are also fighting closure. The Standard's Save Our Libraries campaign is supported by authors including Zadie Smith, Will Self and Martina Cole.